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Daniel Craig chats about the latest James Bond film, "Skyfall." The actor discusses his experiences with Judi Dench and working with her character, M, who plays a more active role in the flick. (Published Tuesday, March 4, 2014)

It doesn’t take an MI6 agent to uncover the Internet brouhaha resulting from Heinekin’s deal with the producers of the new Bond film "Skyfall" to feature their product onscreen.

But Bond sipping on Dutch beer – and not his usual martini – is merely a drop in the product placement bucket when it comes to the latest installment of the 007 franchise, now in its 51st year and featuring actor Daniel Craig as the British super spy.

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Javier Bardem chats about his "uncomfortable" hair in "Skyfall." Also, he talks about the long process of developing his character. Plus, does he like playing the villain? Lastly, he says it's a "great honor" to be a part of the James Bond legacy. (Published Tuesday, March 4, 2014)

While fans remain divided over what constitutes clever marketing and what undermines the very essence of a Bond film, they should know that Bond as a brand showcase is as much a part of the franchise's history as one-liners and Miss Moneypenny.

“Seriously, the idea of product placement and dealing with the merchandising of the movie is something that happened very early on in the franchise,” says Paul Duncan, editor of “The James Bond Archives”. “It’s always been there. As far back as ‘Dr. No.’”

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Old news or not, it’s such a hot topic that even the current 007 has felt the need to weigh in.

In a recent interview published in Vanity Fair, Craig says he understands the necessity for product placement. “A movie like this costs $118 million to make … And it costs another $200 million to sell it. So the $200 million has to come from somewhere,” he said. “Heinekin gave us a ton of money for there to be Heinekin in a shot in a bar. So, how easy is that? … Without them, the movie wouldn’t get sold.”

According to Duncan, who spent 30 months rifling through files, costume sketches, communiqués and invoices in the secret 007 archives dotted around the United Kingdom, it was “Goldfinger” that set the template for product placement deals, merchandizing opportunities and the movie as a brand showcase.

“It was in ‘Goldfinger,’ for example, that the Aston Martin became famous,” explains Duncan. “Harry Saltzman and Cubby Broccoli - the producers – were experienced businessmen and they knew what they were doing and knew they needed cooperation from some people in order to get products that they wanted onto the screen in order to evoke the modern times of the movies.”

For “Skyfall” to evoke life in 2012 entails a long list of brands: Aston Martin, Heinekin, Land Rover, Jaguar, Macallan, Omega, Sony Vaio, Bollinger, Tom Ford and Audi, just to name a few.

Back in 1962 came the debut of another brand fans know well.

When M (Bernard Lee) demands Bond (Sean Connery) hand over his firearm in an early scene from the 1962 film "Dr. No," it’s revealed 007’s gun of choice is a Beretta. Under orders, Bond’s Beretta is replaced with a new handgun, one that every Bond in every Bond film has since carried: "The Walther PPK. 7.65 millimeter. With a delivery like a brick through a plate glass window... The American CIA swear by them," is how the weapon is described in that early scene.

In an echo of that firearm’s first appearance 50 years ago, a new version of the Walther is given an introduction scene all its own in “Skyfall.” And in typical Bond fashion, it’s been given a modern update (hand recognition capabilities) and a new moniker: the Walther PPK/S.

Other products naking their appein the 1960s and 1970s came from an unusual provenance: a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Air Force.

“It was Col. Charles Russhon who was a friend of Cubby’s,” reveals Duncan. “He was in the publicity part of the U.S. military – he knew everybody. He would basically find out what the latest R&D was and try and get it for Bond.”

It was Russhon who organized the use of the jet pack in an early scene of “Thunderball,” and access to Fort Knox for “Goldfinger.” Eagle-eyed fans will note a sign featured in the latter film that reads “Welcome Gen. Russhon,” which was included as an insider thanks from the producers. “He was great fun and he even used to smuggle [some of the gadgets] through customs,” adds Duncan.

As 007 loads his Walther and starts the engine of his Aston Martin in readiness for “Skyfall” to hit theaters on Nov. 9, Duncan says the down side to all this talk of product placement and monetary dealings is that audiences are now on the lookout for any plug. “All these companies love you talking about it. And it’s a pity that people are looking out for it because I think it spoils the movie.”